Cards trade catcher Pe?a to Giants for cash
CHICAGO -- With no clear fit for Francisco Pena in their catching plans, the Cardinals traded the backstop to the Giants on Thursday for cash considerations.
Pe?a entered Spring Training earmarked to be Yadier Molina's backup for a second straight season. But he was passed on the depth chart by Matt Wieters, who signed a Minor League deal in late February. Pe?a was left without a roster spot on Opening Day and reported to Triple-A Memphis after finding no other appealing offers. But he lacked opportunities there, too, with Andrew Knizner and Joe Hudson the team's primary catchers.
Last season, Pe?a appeared in 58 games for the Cardinals. He slashed .203/.239/.271 over 142 plate appearances.
From the trainer's room
? The Cardinals plan to have Carlos Martinez (right shoulder cuff strain) begin a Minor League rehab assignment with Class A Peoria on Sunday, Mozeliak confirmed. Martinez moved his rehab work to Jupiter, Fla., this week so he could test himself in sessions of batting practice against hitters participating in extended spring.
? Limited to one at-bat during the team's four-game series in Washington, Dexter Fowler has recovered from norovirus and is again available without limitation. Nevertheless, Fowler, who dropped eight pounds while ill, was kept out of the lineup on Friday for a fifth straight day.
Clubhouse refresh
When the Cardinals arrived at Wrigley Field on Friday, they found a remodeled and more spacious visitors clubhouse waiting for them. As one player -- likely speaking for a number of his teammates -- remarked upon entering: "Finally!"
The updated clubhouse was a part of the most recent phase of ballpark renovations, which in recent years have also included new batting cages near the visitors clubhouse and expanded dugouts. The changes also included a new manager's office, which features windows overlooking the intersection of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue adjacent to the park.
"It's an original window to the stadium," manager Mike Shildt remarked. "It's pretty cool."